Like many moms, I often fall prey to impulse shopping at the grocery store. My local Whole Foods in Noe Valley is usually the beneficiary of my inability to control my urges and, increasingly, the baby section is the culprit. My newest impulse shopping find – Sprig Toys.

Formed in 2007, Sprig Toys boasts a super-fabulous line of battery-free, eco-friendly, paint-free, kid powered toys. In short, all the things you want with none of the stuff you don’t. My 11 month old LOVES her Sprig Eco Rattle but there are PLENTY of options for older kids too, like the Dolphin Explorer Boat (pictured here).

Dragon Wings on sale at Naturally Crafted on Etsy

Pretend play is fun.  And why not make it more fun for your little one that just LOVES his or her dragons with these mythical Wings from Naturally Crafty on Etsy.  Your little dragon-let is sure to smile just imaging the magic of flight that these canvas, fleece and felt wings will bring.  They have velcro-adjustable straps so they can fit on bare arms or over a snow jacket.  Which only makes sense, because real dragons live in all kinds of weather. read more »

Owl Bookend with Hedgehog Fabric @ I Sew Lucky on Etsy

We love all things Owl at the adorable Etsy Shop, I Sew Lucky.  As a busy mother of five, this Etsy Mama has created an entire line of wonderful owls made in chenille, vintage fabrics or one of my favorite fabric designers Amy Butler fabrics.  Whether you are looking for a plush or some cute bookends, I Sew Lucky, is the place to shop.

You never know whooo you’ll fine a gift for.

Check out the entire line here.  Or purchase the adorable owl pictured here.

Kaprice Kauzbot - supports Breast Cancer

My sweet daughter, Lexi, has a sudden interest in robots.  Go figure.  She sees one and she giggles – as though she knows it is just too much fun.  Visions of her dressing up as a robot for Halloween dart through my mind.  So, when I saw these fun plush robots, I knew I found a winner. read more »

Muddy Cloud Finger Puppet Set

I don’t know about you but some nights I have to pull out quite a few tricks from my bag to entertain sweet Lexi.  We’ve danced poorly and sung badly and amazingly seem to make her chuckle every time we do it.  Whew.  But that doesn’t always mean she’ll stop fussing.  So, you can imagine my delight when finding these imagination inspiring finger puppets by Muddy Cloud.  read more »

A packaged arrived on Saturday for my dear hubby.  A gift from a friend.  Huh.  In the 6 years that I’ve been with Lew, he doesn’t really exchange gifts with his buddies.  But when he opens it, I understand.  Lew’s friend ‘E’ has sent him a copy of ‘Home Game: The Accidental Guide to Fatherhood’ by Michael Lewis.  To some ‘E’ might still be considered a new dad.  To us – he’s been at it for a full year longer than Lew so by our standards he has his PhD while we are still slogging away at our Associates degree.  read more »

The holidays are here and, for many of us, that means packing the family into a plane, train, automobile (or some combination of the three) to visit family. It also means battling the annual chorus of “Are we there yet?!?” from the kiddos. Stave off boredom – and potential travel tantrums – with this fabulous Busy Kit (age 3+).  Filled with fun activities like linking shapes, washable markers, and a laceboard to name but a few, this bag of tricks is sure to keep even the shortest attention span occupied. Price: $19.95. Click here to order.

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Almonds

Ok, so I know that this isn’t our normal type of product review and it is likely that most or all of you have already discovered this delight.  BUT if you haven’t – get thee to your local Trader Joe’s and pick up some of their Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds with Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar.  I promise you, you will not be disappointed. read more »

I know that the day will come when my daughter will no longer LOVE bathtime. But right now it is one of her favorite times of the day. She starts splashing before she actually hits the water and would stay in the bath until the water turned cold if I would let her. I’ve been taking advantage of her love of the tub by introducing new water toys whenever possible. Our new favorite? These light up rubber duckies from Elegant Baby. We received them from a family friend (thanks, Jen!) and Gioia goes crazy for them. They start flashing the minute they hit the water and get Gioia squealing with delight every night. Click here to get your own set of three cool ducks!

Apple Park Picnic Pal Bunny Hand Puppet

and if you can bring a pal – all the better!  I simply love these Picnic Pals by Apple Park. A San Francisco based company, Apple Park’s vision is about creating environmentally responsible products for babies and children. Their Picnic Pals are inspired by classic children’s toys but now produced using the finest eco-friendly materials available. As you know, that makes it a win for us here at LuxeMom.  We love organic, environmentally friendly toys.  read more »